Mi-Fi Fantastic!

Technorati Tags: Innovation, Computer, Internet, Blog, Digital, Mi-Fi, Wireless, Verizon, 802.11
Gather Tags: Innovation, Computer, Internet, Blog, Digital, Mi-Fi, Wireless, Verizon, 802.11
Vendor Link: Mi-Fi

Image from Verizon: Verizon WirelessMiFi™2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot

I purchased a few months ago a great wireless device called a "Mi-Fi".  This device has to be the best one I have in my bag of technology tricks.  It is a game changer for the gadget minded, and long over-due in my mind for the mobile computing landscape.

The full name of my device is the Verizon WirelessMiFi™2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot, which is battery powered (up to about 4 hours of use time), and enables you to connect up to 5 devices to the Internet wirelessly (using 802.11g).  It works just like your home wireless router, except that you can take it with you wherever you go.  Sprint has a similar device, and AT&T is coming out with one soon.

Here is the setup I usually roll with when I travel:

John's Travelling Computing Platform(s):

iPad, iPhone, MacBookPro, HP dv7 & Dell 630 (not pictured)

I do travel a lot across North America, so it is important (to me) to have Internet connectivity.  I have done it all - adopted early dial-up services, moved to wireless hot spots for connectivity, and later I was completely addicted to wireless broadband cards.  With USB as an established connectivity point, the USB based broadband connection modems were very easy to use and setup.  The only problem with all of these devices and services was that they only enabled the device you had connected to - to access the Internet.  Sure, you could enable some Wireless Ad-Hoc Access Point technology on your laptop and share the single-point connection to your other devices, I used to configure my MacBookPro to do just that (in my opinion - Apple has this done very well - easy to setup and secure).  But do you really want to lug around another laptop to just share out your USB Wireless Broadband?  I think not (well... I do, but well... hehe).

To get connected, each device simply connects to the Mi-Fi like your home wireless 802.11g access point (if you have security enabled).  Select the SSID of the Mi-Fi device and enter the password, and Voila! You are connected to the Internet!  There is really nothing more to it than that.  The SSID and Password is printed on a sticky label attached to the underside of the device.  You can leave it, or take it off and store it somewhere safe.  Since the device is always with me, I decided to leave the sticker on for easy reference.

The device is secure as well.  It uses WPA-PSK as its security, which is definitely secure enough for someone on the go.

I also shut off the data plan for my iPad, and reduce the data plan on my iPhone to the el-cheapo - saving me some extra monthly charges.  Those two items alone are off-setting the cost of the Mi-Fi by at least 50%.

Another plus of this Mi-Fi device is (more related to the vendor - Verizon) International travel.  I recently went to Canada - International connectivity is always a hassle (or too expensive!) and I brought the Verizon Mi-Fi with me.  I brought my regular computing infrastructure with me (see picture above).  It was relatively cheap and very easy to enable International roaming (at $127 US/Month) for 5 GB/Month usage in North America (includes 100MB outside of the US and Canada).  No minimum contract lenght is required, and you can turn it off when you want.  You do need to be mindful as to when you turn off the International roaming, so that you don't switch the plan back too early, as your International usage is pro-rated.  While in Canada and in "roaming mode" the green top "power" button light on the Mi-Fi turns bright blue.

With respect to the limits on data - I have yet to even come close to 5GB/Month.  I consider myself a power user and have only hit about 4GB/Month with streaming video and websurfing.  I don't traditionally watch a full-length feature movie over Mi-Fi, but it does have enough connectivity to do it.  The current plan I have is for the continental United States for 5GB/Month at $59.99 a month.

I think the device is also perfect for the family that vacations together.  When out at a campsite or traveling down the Interstate, Dad's (or Mom's) Mi-Fi has the whole family covered.  Consider hitting the shore house (or cabin) for a weekend or a week - without Internet (or just trying to share 1 dedicated connection) the family peace is limited.  Kids fighting over who gets to go on the computer - competing with Dad/Mom who needs it to check in at the office is an explosive mix.  The Mi-Fi device solves that problem with one data plan.

John's Mi-Fi:

It's small too! There are 5 credit cards stacked next to it.

It is battery powered, however I do use it a lot with the power connected to it.  There seems to be no impact to the battery life with it being on the charger.  So you can definitely use the device all day without impacting its performance.  It's small too.  It is about the side of 10 stacked credit cards.

Another great feature is the tethering of the Mi-Fi device to a computer.  You can plug in the device via USB and use the VZAccess software provided by Verizon to connect through the device to the Internet.  Sharing is then disabled on the device, and you have a dedicated USB based broadband connection via your laptop or desktop.  Sometimes it is nice to dedicate the connection instead of sharing it out.

I would give this device a full 5 out of 5 stars, as it really hits the mark. 

Look for the DROID2 from Motorola to have this Mi-Fi built into it - it is already available, and may be a better option for some that need to update their phone.  The overall cost of the DRIOD2 is a little more than what I wanted (~ $130/month), the Verizon WirelessMiFi™2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot fits the bill for what I need at about half the cost.

If you need good mobile Internet connection, for more than 1 device, the Verizon WirelessMiFi™2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot is the piece of technology you need!

Avatron’s Air Share Pro for iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch

Technorati Tags: Innovation, Computer, Internet, Blog, Digital, iPad, Apple

Gather Tags: Innovation, Computer, Internet, Blog, Digital, iPad, Apple
Vendor Tags: Avatron, Air Sharing Pro, Air Display

I wrote last month about a product from Avatron Software called “Air Display”. They have another product that I have found to be equally as useful, if not more. I thought I should write a quick blog about the “Air Sharing Pro” product that I find very helpful. I give this software a 5 star review, as it really performs well, and now it works with almost any type of host you need to get your files downloaded from (or uploaded to).


Simply put, this app makes your iPad like a web-based file server. It is the most powerful way to view your documents on the go! As an added bonus, this software also works on your iPhone or iPod Touch, making it into a mini-repository for your critical files. Since this software works for those 3 types of Apple devices, I will collectively refer to them as “iDevices”.


Another way to look at this is that Air Sharing Pro creates a wireless hard disk for your systems to connect to. You can mount your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch (iDevices) as a wireless drive on a Mac, Windows, or Linux computer (on the same Wi-Fi network), or connect from any web browser. Then simply drag-drop files between your computer and Air Sharing Pro. If you are development (software) minded, you can also host a powerful web server with WebDAV (just like the iDisk), without any special software required on your computer (except on Windows XP, which requires free NetDrive app). There is some base security available to you, a local passcode, remote access password as well as an optional Public folder.

The types of files you can access and even display is impressive. The following list is what is supported:

1. iWork (Pages, Numbers, Keynote)
2. Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), subject to iPhone compatibility
3. Web Archive (web pages downloaded by Safari)
4. HTML web page
5. PDF (even password-protected and large documents)
6. Adobe Illustrator (saved as PDF Compatible)
7. RTF (Rich Text Format) and RTFD (with embedded images)
8. Plain text (many character encodings)
9. Source code (most popular programming and scripting languages), with color-coded formatting
10. Movies, Audio, and Images (standard iPhone formats).

In addition to those supported file types, you can also print your files directly from the device, as well as it connects to another Air Sharing Pro iDevice. Here are some of the file operations you can perform with this software on your Air Sharing Pro iDevice:

1. Move, Copy, Paste, Rename, Delete, New Folder
2. Zip and Unzip (supports password-protected archives)
3. Print (via Mac OS X 10.5+ or Linux with Printer Sharing)
4. Email attachments
5. Save and Get images to and from Photos
6. Download from URL (copy link from Safari, paste into Air Sharing Pro)

The above graphic is a good view as to what types of Air Sharing Pro “file servers” are available to you.

The setup of Air Sharing Pro is easy. You simply purchase the app from the iTunes AppStore, and get it loaded onto your iDevice. Simply ensure that the iDevice is on the same wireless network as your PC or Macintosh system. Click on the “wireless fan” icon at the bottom of the “Air Sharing Pro” application and note the IP address(es) available to you. Enter that address into your PC or Macintosh web browser and voila! You can now upload and download files from your iDevice.


I have found that the products from Avatron are reliable. They are a good software company with good products that immediately add value to your computing environment.

 

Air Share Logo from iTunes Store

“Use your iPad as a file share for a variety of computer hosts!”

Avatron’s Air Display for iPad

Avatron’s Air Display for iPad

“Get a great 2nd Monitor out of your iPad”

Technorati Tags: Innovation, Computer, Internet, Blog, Digital, iPad, Apple
Gather Tags: Innovation, Computer, Internet, Blog, Digital, iPad, Apple
Vendor Tags: Avatron, Air Display


I have been working with my iPad for a while, and thought I should write a quick blog about one product that I find very useful. It is called “Air Display” from Avatron Software. I give this software 5 stars, as it really performs well, and now it also works on the PC!

Simply put, this app makes your iPad a second screen to your laptop.  What is marvelous about it is that it is done wirelessly, so there are no wires connecting your iPad to your notebook (Macintosh or PC).

Having the extra screen space is great especially if you are a true heavy notebook “multi-tasker”. I have found it useful for managing conference calls, presentations and spreadsheets simultaneously. It is great to get that needed extra space to see “everything”. I have been using Air Display for about 3 months now (ever since I got my iPad). It has worked flawlessly.  I have also used it recreationally (as the screen allows you to click on what you place on it) while watching TV to view information about programs or what I am watching.  There is a small drawback, in that you cannot type into the window being displayed on the iPad.

 

Macintosh sharing its screen on the iPad - No Wires!



The picture above is a good view as to what Air Display can do. (c) Avatron

The setup of Air Display is easy. You simply purchase the app from the iTunes AppStore, and get it loaded onto your iPad. Next, there is a client you download from the Avatron website that you configure onto your Macintosh or PC. Make sure that the Macintosh (or PC) system is on the same wireless network as your iPad. Open the Air Display application on your iPad. Then configure the applet on your Macintosh (or PC) to share its screen with the iPad. Voila! You are now sharing your Macintosh (or PC) screen with your iPad.



There are a few other products from Avatron that are also worth looking at as well (subjects for future blogs). I have found them to be a reliable software company with good products that immediately add value to your computing environment.

Air Display Icon used on the iTunes AppStore

DROID 2 Costs!

I am getting tired of paying a lot for technology. Here's why.

Verizon now has the Droid 2, which is definitely an awesome mobile "smartphone" device. The new Droid 2 has the Mi-Fi option built into it, so I thought I would check it out.

I always check out the price of a potential candidate first before I go off and start talking to the sales staff. It is important to get through the long-term and short-term costs, just to make sure it is worth the investment. Usually from there I can make a more informed decision at the store, if it is warranted.

Here is what my initial (monthly cost) findings are (and I stopped there):

1. 500 messages + Unlimited Mobile-to-Mobile Messaging ($ 10.00)
2. Equipment Insurance/Ext Warrantee Coverage ($ 7.99)
3. Unlimited Corp E-mail/Data Plan & Personal ($ 44.99)
4. Mobile Broadband Connect/3G Mobile Hotspot ($ 20.00)
5. Detailed Billing ($ 1.99)
6. Nationwide Talk 450 - 2 year contract ($ 39.99)

Monthly Charge for Droid: $124.96

Just to buy the Droid on the two-year plan is another $199.00 upfront. The features selected enable a large enough data-plan and Mi-Fi offering to support up to 5 devices to connect through the Droid 2 to the Internet. I have an iPad, iPhone and a few laptops with me at all times, so having that is handy. I currently use the Verizon Mi-Fi device, and it works well, I was thinking of giving that to my wife for her needs and I will get the Droid 2.

After looking at the cost, I am a bit shocked. So unfortunately (Verizon), I am going to have to pass on your Droid 2. I am sticking with my Mi-Fi device (cheap at $60/month) instead of trying to rationalize this 2 year $125 per month hit to my check book. I have to admit though, I like the package, just not at $125/month.

... I'll keep you posted if I change my mind. :-)

The Digital Aura

Technorati Tags: Innovation, Computer Security, Internet, Blog, Privacy, Digital, Aura
Gather Tags: Innovation, Computer Security, Internet, Blog, Privacy, Digital, Aura

How to identify ourselves in the very near future...

Something that I have been thinking about and talking recently has been the concept of a "Digital Aura". I think this is a new concept for those in the security, identity management and authentication space. We have long had problems in identifying ourselves, whether it was with physically identifying someone to complex B2B & C2B interactions we have today.

Before I get to the Digital Aura concept, there is a little background needed here.

I have always been a proponent of the bastion host & transaction tracking philosophy. For those that don't know what that is, think of how you would buy something in a foreign country, and have it shipped here. A good example would be buying computers from Asia. If you were to buy a shipment of computers, it would be foolish to pay for the whole shipment up front. If you did that your shipment would most likely be hijacked, causing you to be out of your shipment, and your money as well. With these types of longitudinal transactions, payments are made to the seller by you at certain milestones as your shipment traverses the globe on your way to you. To do this, it is imperative that the locations, shipment, vehicle, account, receivers are all highly identified and can be verified. This paradigm exists for our current B2B and C2B transactions we have. The simplest example is a credit card transaction made at a store - for instance - at your local Apple Store. Since you get the product in your hand, you then hand over your credit card to the Apple Store employee, who then (as you watch your card) swipes it with their hand-held machine, and e-mails you the receipt. At all times during that transaction the shipment, location, receivers, vehicle, account, etc. are validated. I think you can see that a credit card transaction done over the Internet have similar challenges.

Bastion This!

A bastion host is also another component. It is a component of validation that is needed to make this all work. If your computer system (or "location") cannot be validated, how can any transaction be 100% guaranteed? The IP address of your PC (or most likely your home or business router) will be required to ensure the transtaction has integrity. Many sites now track the IP address with the transaction for future reference, in case there may be fraud. It is critical then for people to safeguard their digital identity, by simply ensuring they have their own computer or for lack of a better term "IP". To ensure your computer works well on the Internet, it cannot be hidden, or translated well behind firewalls to protect its identity. It needs to become a bastion host, where it is open and available for inspection which would speed the validation / identification process. Although your system would be open to hacking attacks, software does exist to make bastion hosts reliable and feature rich, and in my opinion, something that would help reduce hacking. If everyone was identifiable on the Internet - how could anyone reliably hack? Think of this concept like having a car with a license plate, as it travels the road, it's identity can be determined, and who owns it. There are very few cars out there on the road without a license plate. Unfortunately, on the Internet - there are no license plates except for a few bastion hosts.

How is this going to be part of a Digital Aura? I can now explain in some detail how this system would work for us.

A Digital Aura is something that (like a personal aura - an electrical energy field) is specific to each one of us. There are components to the aura that make us who we are. Extrapolating this to the digital world is easy. I carry a Blackberry (blue tooth), a Motorola H12 blue tooth headset and an iPhone (also blue tooth). I also can remember a PIN. In addition to this, I have the IP address of my computer, and it may also be blue tooth as well (for instance - most laptops are all blue tooth). It would seem like the technology is already here for us to begin setting up a Digital Aura. The signals all provided by my headset, Blackberry, iPhone and my MacBookPro are blue tooth, and eminate around me for up to 20 feet (or more). Blue tooth detection would be available on the computing devices (i.e. Blackberry, iPhone and the MacBookPro). If I entered transactions onto my computer - validation via a 3rd party software for the blue tooth devices I am carrying, along with a simple PIN (like a credit card PIN) would validate me as me on the Internet. It would be extremely difficult to duplicate that Aura at any other location, as the signal strength can also place a role in authentication.

We can also take this system further for tagging of important digital information that only the intended receiver should receive. If I tag the information with a PGP type process using the Digital Aura, my intended recipient would just have to enter the PIN I communicate publicly with into the message or webpage to unlock the content. It could even go as far as "... I would like all iPhone users with H12 headsets to be able to read my content.". It is a scalable design and system that would make people be more secure, and to then have control over their Digital Persona (another idea - more on that later).

... wait! A digital persona? I can't wait for that!

Having this Digital Aura now makes validation and tracking very easy in the virtual world of the Internet. It would also speed the processing of locational and contextual information (for instance, walking next to a digital sign - it posts information that the top 10 people next to it prefer) in the real world. It protects the individual - using current technologies. It is also very scalable, as phone networks and the Internet have been in the past.

I look forward to people's comments and ideas!

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